Scientists at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur are working on developing India’s first self-driven car and a prototype is likely to be ready by next year.

Scientists at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur are working on developing India’s first self-driven car and a prototype is likely to be ready by next year.

“We are in the development phase and expect the first trial on a prototype around April 2014, which will be the end of this academic year. But this is dependent on various parameters, that are needed to be synchronously working in order to develop and get this commercialised,” Dr D Chakravarty, associate professor, department of mining engineering, IIT Kharagpur who is heading the project team said.

This is a highly interdisciplinary research and development project, he said where we are developing a prototype vehicle which can navigate on its own, avoiding the static and dynamic obstacles and following the GPS way points to reach a target destination given by the user.

“While the first initial prototype is ready, this needs to be upgraded in terms of capabilities and modifications of the implemented algorithms for better functioning of the same.”

Highlighting the special features, he said it would not only be in a position to go for self driving, but the 3D environment mapping related data would be incorporated in the same along with pedestrian detection and intercommunication with other cars.

“The technology may also find its usage in underground spaces viz in underground mines, tunnels and metro railway workings which needs to be mapped and kept under surveillance.”